Together we can help protect our planet

Introduction

Understanding the need for conservation We are using approximately 30% more natural resources than the Earth can replenish (Why We Do What We Do, n.d.). In addition, our activities are drastically changing the planet’s climate. In a recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It warns that with increasing climate change, it will lead to severe, widespread, and permanent impacts on people and the natural world unless carbon emissions are cut sharply and promptly (Carrington, 2014). Some impacts can already be felt such as heat waves, air pollution such as heavy smog experienced by China (Schiavenza, 2014), massive rainstorms leading to flooding. Besides these impacts from our increasing ecological footprint, we are also facing the loss of biodiversity (Biodiversity, n.d.).

Our current environmental situation is an example of “The Tragedy of the Commons” process. Where individuals act rationally according to one’s self interest, and thus maximize one’s usage of the common pool of available resources, however inevitably runs long term cost for the whole group :global population (Clayton & Myers,2009). “The Tragedy of the Commons” is fuelled by our exponential population growth, hence increased utilisation of resources (Clayton & Myers ,2009). Thus, vital natural resources are rapidly destroyed beyond the rate of sustainability.

Thus, there is a need to find practical solutions for a healthy planet. A planet where people and nature can thrive together at a sustainable rate. In this blog, we will focus on Earth hour and its ability in conserving our planet’s resources.